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Science Instruments
Chandra X-ray
Observatory
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The Chandra X-Ray Observatory combines the mirrors with four
science instruments to capture and probe the X-rays from
astronomical sources. The incoming X-rays are focused by the
mirrors to a tiny spot (about half as wide as a human hair) on
the focal plane, about 30 feet away. The focal plane science
instruments, ACIS and
HRC, are well matched
to capture the sharp images formed by the mirrors and to provide
information about the incoming X-rays: their number, position,
energy and time of arrival.
ACIS
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Two additional science instruments provide detailed information
about the X-ray energy, the LETG and HETG spectrometers. These
are grating arrays which can be flipped into the path of the
X-rays just behind the mirrors, where they redirect ( diffract )
the X-rays according to their energy. The X-ray position is
measured by HRC or ACIS
, so that the exact energy can be determined. The science
instruments have complementary capabilities to record and analyze X-ray
images of celestial objects and probe their physical conditions with unprecedented
accuracy.
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